S) "14 If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the Lord, that I may not die? 15 You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever, not even when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth."
1 Samuel 20:14-15 (NASB)
O) I re-read this passage about five times before I could clearly see what Jonathan was really saying. He's discussing with David, the eventuality of David's ascension to the throne, which would require his father's death. However that unfolds, Jonathan first acknowledges that he might die in the process, particularly since he was the prince and would-be heir to the throne. So, in a typical military coup, anyone on David's side would wipe out all descendants of Saul, to leave no claim to the throne, once David is crowned. Furthermore, he would be safeguarding his life against future machinations, so that he (and his house) would live on, beyond David's own life. But, the part that was tripping me up, over and over, was the last line, starting, "... even when..." It seemed somewhat disjointed to say, essentially, "Don't kill me (violent), even when you've obtained peace (non-violent)." But, then I started to think about whom Jonathan was; he was a valiant warrior, and could be a powerful political ally, if he had recently abdicated the throne David occupies. Even if David didn't love Jonathan as himself, he might choose to keep him alive just for the military or political advantages. But, if David had peace on every side, what need would he have for such advantages? What need would he have for Jonathan? So, he asked David for lovingkindness, even when David has nothing to gain.
A) This is a foreshadow of the lesson Jesus teaches in Luke 6:32-36, but there is a subtle, yet important difference. Jesus's lesson was to love our enemies, and He also mentions reward; it is an important point, but not news to even some of the newest Christians. When I sense a person is against me, I am aware that I need to love them (not that I am always obedient to that, but I am usually well aware of the command). You know what I am not good at remembering? That I need to love people that way, even when they aren't my enemies. There's a weird thing that happens, that I can sometimes treat the people closest to me, the poorest. It's very easy for me to remember to be especially kind and unselfish toward my wife, when I am also trying to be amorous with her. But, what about days when I don't have anything to really gain from her? We all know that God loved us, even while we were sinners (see Romans 5:8); He showed His lovingkindness to His enemies. But, it's important to note that He shows us the same lovingkindness, now that we are no longer His enemies; He still gains nothing from us. This goes beyond my wife (who is my closest ally #usvsworld), and includes my kids, family, and friends; but, there is one more layer. Can I love God this way? It's easy to love God when I need Him. I need to love Him, even when if I were to gain no advantage from the relationship.
P) Father, forgive me for my selfish motivations. Continue to open my eyes to see my shortcomings, so I can be disciplined to be more like You. Help me to love You first, with as pure a love, as unselfish a love, as is humanly possible. Even supernaturally possible. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit, to change my heart, to change my abilities to be more like You in this way. I want to love others with Your lovingkindness, and show them an unselfish, pure love, that glorifies Your name, and causes worship and praise for You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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